Motorsport South Africa’s (MSA) National Motorsport Marshal Safety Training and Competency Development Programme supported by the FIA’s Motorsport Funding Program has made an immediate impact, with the first training session in East London on 14 March 2026 delivering encouraging results and reinforcing the importance of continued investment in officials.
Following the recent launch announcement of the FIA-supported initiative, the opening training session was successfully held at the KuGompo (East London) Grand Prix Circuit in partnership with the Border Motor Sport Club, providing a clear indication of the programme’s value in practice.
A total of 40 marshals signed on for the session, with 37 completing a full day of structured theoretical and practical training. The group reflected a healthy mix of experience levels, from newcomers attending their first session to seasoned officials with decades of involvement in the sport. This diversity created a productive learning environment, with knowledge sharing playing a key role throughout the day. Ten Post Chiefs were also in attendance, strengthening leadership depth within the group.
The one-day programme combined classroom-based modules with hands-on application, focusing on key competencies required for safe and effective race operations. Topics covered included marshal safety, flag procedures, incident response, fire management, radio communication, and the roles of MSA officials.
Engagement levels remained high throughout the theoretical sessions, with participants actively contributing and raising practical, experience-based questions.
The training then moved into a practical setting, where marshals rotated through simulated race scenarios. Working in structured teams, participants took on roles including Post Chief, Flag Marshal, Incident Marshal, and Race Control, ensuring exposure to all aspects of trackside operations.
Realistic scenarios were used to test responses to a variety of incidents, including vehicles stopping in hazardous positions, slow-moving cars, medical emergencies, and fire situations. Each exercise was followed by detailed debriefs, allowing participants to identify strengths, address errors, and refine their approach. Particular emphasis was placed on improving radio communication with Race Control, ensuring messages are clear, concise, and effective during high-pressure situations.
The session also highlighted the programme’s broader objective of standardising marshal training across the country and aligning local competencies with international best practice.
Commenting on the successful session, MSA CEO Vic Maharaj said:
“The enthusiasm and commitment shown by our marshals in East London is incredibly encouraging. This programme is about more than just training, it’s about building a confident, capable, and safety-focused network of officials who can uphold the highest standards of motorsport in South Africa.”
The strong turnout, high engagement, and quality of participation underline the positive momentum behind the initiative, as MSA continues to roll out the programme nationwide. This follow-up training success marks a significant step forward in developing a more skilled marshal network, ensuring that South African motorsport continues to operate safely and professionally across all levels.
